There are multiple opportunities for Mainers and Maine visitors to enjoy free admission at the Portland Museum of Art. This is great for families and individuals on a budget.
In some instances, you get free entry as part of a nationwide program, such as Museums for All. In case you didn’t know about that program, Museums for All helps low-income families on the SNAP EBT program enjoy reduced or free museum admission.
On the other hand, if you happen to have certain credit cards in your wallet or bank with certain financial institutions, then you can get free museum admission, too.
Free days at the Portland Museum of Art
So, how can you enjoy free admission at the Portland Museum of Art? Here are the four ways.
Bank of America Museums on Us
The Portland Museum of Art is the only museum in Southern Maine that participates in the Bank of America Museums on Us program.
What is Bank of America Museums on Us?
Bank of America offers cardholders free entry during the first full weekend of every month. So, that means Saturday and Sunday.
Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders.
So, what are the dates for free Portland Museum of Art admittance for Bank of America customers in 2023? Here you go.
- 1/7 & 1/8
- 2/4 & 2/5
- 3/4 & 3/5
- 4/1 & 4/2
- 5/6 & 5/7
- 6/3 & 6/4
- 7/1 & 7/2
- 8/5 & 8/6
- 9/2 & 9/3
- 10/7 & 10/8
- 11/4 & 11/5
- 12/2 & 12/3
Blue Star Museums free admission
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. The Blue Star Museums program offer free entry to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
Each year, the Blue Star Museums program is activated on Armed Forces Day and then pauses on Labor Day. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually the third Saturday in May.
So, for this year, Armed Forces Day is May 20, 2023. Then, Labor Day is Monday, September 4, 2023.
The Portland Museum of Art is one of a handful of museums in Southern Maine that participates in Blue Star Museums.
Free Friday admission at Portland Museum of Art
Every Friday is free Friday at the Portland Museum of Art. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, you get free museum admission.
Here is a month-by-month guide to the days when there are free Fridays at the Portland Museum of Art in 2023.
- January 6, 13, 20, 27
- February 3, 10, 17, 24
- March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- April 7, 14, 21, 28
- May 5, 12, 19, 26
- June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- July 7, 14, 21, 28
- August 4, 11, 18, 25
- September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- October 6, 13, 20, 27
- November 3, 10, 17, 24
- December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Susie Konkel Pass
Since 2018, through the generosity of Susie Konkel, a Maine philanthropist, the Portland Museum of Art has offered free admission to everyone ages 21 and under. Use this link to sign up for the free Susie Konkel Pass.
Keep in mind that the Portland Museum of Art is closed on these Maine legal holidays. They are:
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
This article can help you find electric vehicle parking in Portland near the museum.